Dental laboratory technicians are responsible for making and repairing crowns, bridges, and dentures as ordered by the dentist. They work with silver, gold, porcelain, stainless steel and plastics and lend their artistic talents to make dental appliances that will replace the original tooth or teeth. Start by asking yourself if this is the right career path for you, since this field is ideal for people who like to work on their own. Qualities such as aesthetic sense, mechanical ability, fine motor coordination, high accuracy and detail work are strongly recommended. If this sounds interesting, this article will show you how to become a dental laboratory technician.
- What you’re responsible for. A dental laboratory technician is responsible for repairing or making orthodontic devices such as bridges, dentures, braces and crowns from silver, gold, porcelain, stainless steel and plastic materials. The dentist will make an impression of the tooth or teeth that are to be replaced. This is done by making an impression that most people are familiar with or by digital impression. The dental technician then creates a wax tooth or teeth that are made to fit the patient’s mouth. The appliance will need to look natural and be aesthetically pleasing. Attention to detail such as the natural gum line, tooth color, gum color and overall appearance is essential. The wax impression will lay the ground work for the metal framework for the porcelain prosthetic device. Small, handheld tools will be used to shape the porcelain. When the technician is happy with the rough product, the appliance will be placed in the porcelain oven. When the firing is completed, the appliance will again be shaped and colored to take its final shape. These steps can all be done by one technician or the steps may be completed by several different technicians depending upon the laboratory setup. Some technicians work almost in total seclusion, while others work with several other employees.
- Choose one of the many educational paths. A high school diploma with a focus on mathematics and science is a standard requirement. Additional certification in art, drafting, metal and wood shop, and computers is recommended. You can also take business and management courses that will help you operate your own laboratory. There are several different educational paths you can take after you graduate from high school.
- The first is the Dental Lab Technician Certification program. These are usually offered at technical colleges and community colleges. The hours required vary and upon completion you will be able to sit the certification exam.
- An associate’s degree in Dental Lab Technology takes two years to complete and may make you more marketable.
- A bachelor’s degree in Dental Lab Technology takes four years to complete.
- Get certified by the NBC. The examination to get certified is given by National Board for Certification, or NBC, which is created by the National Association of Dental Laboratories. Anyone who has graduated from high school and is eligible to practice in the field may take the exam. This includes those who have apprenticed in the field for at least five years and feel they have enough working knowledge to become certified. The test is comprised of two written examinations and one practical examination. A Certified Dental Technician (CDT) is granted to those who pass all three examinations. Some states require this certification to be eligible to practice. Five different specialty areas may be chosen: bridges and crowns, ceramics, partial dentures, full dentures, and orthodontic appliances. Although certification is not mandated in most states, it is generally accepted that most people working in dental labs will hold at least one certification.
- Make the most on the job. The salary range is between $20,940 and $58,560. The range is due to education differences as well as location and facility size.
- Job opportunities are out there. Growth in this field is expected to be about 15% over the next ten years. As the population ages and more people outlive their teeth, the job market will remain strong. As with all jobs in healthcare, funding is an issue and these numbers can change.
Dental lab technicians spend their days making all sorts of dental appliances to help people live normal lives. They enhance the appearance of those who have lost teeth for various reasons and allow them to eat properly and smile normally.